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Mississauga fire chief receives Fire Chief of the Year Award

June 8, 2023, Mississauga, Ont. – The City of Mississauga has awarded Fire Chief Deryn Rizzi the Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association.

The award recognizes the significant contributions Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services has made to the prevention of fire and public education of life safety in the community.

Fire prevention and enforcement, and public education are key areas of focus for the MFES Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction team. Some of the initiatives currently underway include:

• A rigorous inspection program that helps ensure buildings, both resident and commercial, comply with the Ontario Fire Code;
• Conducting thorough inspections, identifying potential hazards and enforcing compliance; and
• Raising awareness and instilling fire-safe behaviours in the community through programs, fire safety seminars and educational campaigns including outreach to schools, community organizations and business, and providing them with crucial information on fire prevention, evacuation procedures and the proper use of fire extinguishers.

“I’m humbled to receive this award, however, it really belongs to the entire MFES Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction team,” said Chief Deryn Rizzi in a city press release. “It acknowledges their exceptional commitment to fire and life safety, fire prevention, enforcement initiatives and public education. Their tireless efforts and dedication have made a significant impact on the community and it is really the team that deserves the utmost appreciation and recognition.”

The OMFPOA awards promote and recognize those in the community that have gone above and beyond in the area of fire prevention in Ontario.

Chief Rizzi was presented this award at the OMFPOA Gala Awards Ceremony on Wednesday in London, Ont.